Entertainment

Marsai Martin Becomes the Youngest Person to Ink a First-Look Deal with Universal

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Black-ish star has inked a first-look production deal with Universal. Martin will develop scripted projects for Universal alongside Genius Productions co-founder and vice president, Joshua and Carol Martin, and Prince Baggett (head of creative). This deal is proving that Martin is making some serious boss moves, as she is the youngest person to ink a first-look deal at Universal and the youngest to get a deal at any studio “in recent memory.”

“Working with emerging talent is a cornerstone of Universal’s overall slate strategy, and Marsai is a star on the rise,” Peter Cramer, President of Universal said per THR. “She is not only tremendously talented in front of the camera but offers a unique perspective as a creator and producer that will resonate with all audiences. We look forward to moviegoers getting to see how brilliant she is in Little and watching her evolve as a filmmaker here at Universal.”

The first film to be developed by Martin’s Genius Productions is a comedy titled StepMonster. As THR reports, the film will follow a teenage girl (Martin) who is adjusting to life with a new stepmother.

“I am so excited for the magic I’ll be able to create and produce with Universal,” Martin said in a statement. “Mr. Cramer and Ms. [Donna] Langley’s commitment to investing in and uplifting diverse and young voices is both refreshing and important, and I’m happy to be a part of that legacy. My goal is to show young women and girls that our voices and ideas matter and you are never too young to dream BIG!”

The young actress scored her first executive producer credits in Universal’s upcoming comedy Little. The film – which stars Issa Rae, Regina Hall and Martin – is about a woman who gets to relive to childhood when adulting becomes too much. Little will hit theaters April 12th!